The Chippendale school is proud of the number of internationally-renowned experts we bring into the school each year to teach specific techniques such as woodcarving and veneering.

This week we’re delighted to welcome another acclaimed woodworker, Michael Fortune RCA, who will join us for a week this November to teach our professional course students the art of making bent wood furniture. He will demonstrate the many ways in which wood can be manipulated into different shapes, including steam bending, laminating, vacuum forming and hot pipe bending,

Michael, who is from Ontario, Canada has been designing and making furniture by commission since 1975, and has also been a consultant for international aid agencies assisting furniture manufacturers in developing countries.

He received the prestigious Bronfman Award in 1993, was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts in 2000, and received the 2007 Award of Distinction from the American Furniture Society.

On top of running his own furniture making business, Michael Fortune, he also occasionally conducts furniture design and construction workshops throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

Anselm Fraser, principal of the Chippendale school, said that “we are always looking for ways to enhance the Chippendale school learning environment and, with all his years of experience, Michael will be an asset to the team.”

“We are delighted that Michael will be joining us, not only to teach specific techniques but, as a renowned woodworker, to offer his valuable perspectives on design, making and running a business,” he said.